Curb forming apparatus with oppositely directed auger means

ABSTRACT

A curb forming apparatus for extruding a paving material such as asphalt or concrete to continuously produce an elongated curb, median strip or the like including a pair of longitudinally aligned auger means having oppositely directed spiral flights with a hopper selectively securable to one or the other means so that the curb can be extruded in either direction from the same side of the apparatus. A curb forming means is secured to the outlet of the selected auger housing and the front and rear wheels are reversible. A cover is provided for the unused auger for safety purposes.

[ Oct. 28, 1975 CURB FORMING APPARATUS WITH OPPOSITELY DIRECTED AUGER MEANS [75] Inventors: Ralph W. Coho, Jr.; John L. Kugle,

both of Lancaster, Pa.

[73] Assignee: lrl Daffin Associates, Inc.,

Lancaster, Pa.

[22] Filed: Oct. 2, 1974 [21] Appl. N0.: 511,390

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1955 Canfield 404/98 6/1964 Smith 404/98 7/1966 Jennings, Jr. 404/98 12/1966 Chewey 404/98 Primary Examiner-Francis S. Husar Assistant ExaminerJ0hn McQuade Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Holman & Stern 57 ABSTRACT A curb forming apparatus for extruding a paving material such as asphalt or concrete to continuously produce an elongated curb, median strip or the like including a pair of longitudinally aligned auger means having oppositely directed spiral flights with a hopper selectively securable to one or the other means so that the curb can be extruded in either direction from the same side of the apparatus. A curb forming means is secured to the outlet of the selected auger housing and the front and rear wheels are reversible. A cover is provided for the unused auger for safety purposes.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 1 of3 3,915,584

US. Patent Oct.28, 1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,915,584

CURB FORMING APPARATUS WITH OPPOSITELY DIRECTED AUGER MEANS This invention relates to curb forming apparatus and relates more particularly to a device for extruding a paving material to continuously form a curb or the like in either of two opposite directions from the same side of the apparatus.

Curb forming machines are quite well known and are used extensively to preclude the necessity for laying individual forms to produce an elongated curb, which obviously requires a great deal of time and effort. A curb forming apparatus which is self-contained and selfpropelled is shown and described in detail in commonly-assigned US. application Ser. No. 362,346 filed May 21, 1973 now abandoned in the name of Charles E. Jennings, Jr., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. With a device of this type it is merely necessary to continuously feed a paving material into a hopper and guide the device as it moves to insure that the curb is laid along the proper path. Once the initial curb is laid it acts to propel the apparatus forwardly as additional paving material is extruded.

With prior art devices of this type it is necessary to actually turn the apparatus around 180 in order to extrude a curb in the opposite direction. Sometimes difficulties are encountered with such an arrangement in that reversal of the direction of movement results in the wheeled support rolling on the opposite side of the curb being laid. In some instances this is impossible due to an obstruction close to the curb such as a guard rail or the like.

Additionally, it is generally desirable to operate a device of this type in an uphill direction to insure a proper compaction of the extruded paving material. If a machine of this nature is operated downhill, the weight of the apparatus has a tendency to cause the same to runaway from the curb being laid so that it is difficult to produce good compaction. Frequently this problem can be overcome by utilizing a brake to slow the progress of the machine as it moves downhill. However, with a particularly steep grade even the use of a brake may not be adequate to avoid a loose extrusion, and therefore an unacceptable curb. With prior art devices which are capable of extruding from only one side of the machine it is frequently necessary'to operate downhill when laying curbs on opposite sides of a roadbed.

This undesirability of reversing prior art devices to extrude curbs on opposite sides of the apparatus is particularly evident in the production of a curb on an inclined curve because of the turning radius of the equipment.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a curb forming apparatus which is capable of laying a curb or the like in both directions from the same side of the machine. With an arrangement of this type it is possible to lay the curb immediately adjacent an obstruction since the forming means may be retained on the same side of the wheeled support of the machine regardless of the direction in which the curb is being laid. Moreover, a construction of this type enables the operator to utilize the device in an uphill direction under substantially any set of circumstances.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a curb forming apparatus which is relatively easy to modify so as to extrude paving material in either direction from the same side of the equipment, while minimizing the amount of duplication by incorporating selected elements that can readily be varied in position depending upon the direction in which the curb is to be laid.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a curb forming apparatus which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, utilize and maintain and, yet, which is extremely strong and durable in con struction.

Other and further objects of the invention reside in the combination of elements, arrangement of parts and features of construction. Still other objects will in part be obvious and in part be set forth in the following detailed description which refers to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a curb forming apparatus according to the instant invention, with the parts being arranged for extruding a curb to the right as the device moves to the left, selected elements being broken away for illustrative clarity and convenience;

FIG. 2 is a top,plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the device of this invention with the parts rearanged to extrude a curb to the left with the apparatus being propelled to the right;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view taken substantially along lines 55 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4.

Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

It is to be understood that any well-known paving material could be utilized in the apparatus of this invention such as asphalt or concrete and that the term curb is used herein, and in the apended claims, in a generic sense to encompass ordinary curbs, median strips and the like of any desired cross-section.

The various elements and members of the apparatus of this invention may be made of any suitable material, normally welded steel.

Reference is now made to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein a curb forming apparatus according to the instant inventive concepts is designated generally by the reference numberal 10. This device comprises an elongated frame means 12 having a first end portion 14 and a longitudinally spaced second end portion 16.. A hopper means designated generally by the reference numeral 18 is provided with an inlet 20 for receiving a material from which the curb is to be formed, and an outlet 22.

The conveyor means includes first and second elongated auger housing means 26, 28 carried by the frame means 12 in longitudinally spaced, aligned relationship. each of the auger housing means having a generally upwardly opening inlet 30, 32 and a longitudinally opening outlet 34, 36 respectively. The outlet 34 of the first auger housing means 26 is formed by a compaction tube 35 to provide initial compaction of the material being extruded and is directed toward the first end portion 14 of the frame means 12. The outlet 36 of the second auger housing means 28 formed by compaction tube 37 is directed toward the second end portion 16 of the frame means 12.

Afirst elongated auger means 38 is rotatably supported within the first auger housing means 26 and a second elongated auger means 40 is rotatably supported within the second auger housing means 28, with the first and second auger means having oppositely directed spiral flights as will be seen particularly in FIG. 2.

A driving means designated generally by the reference numeral 42, which may be any conventional engine such as an internal combustion engine, is provided with a clutch 44 and a conventional power train 46 adapted in any desired manner to simultaneously and continuously rotate the auger means 38, in the same direction through a gear box 48 as also seen particularly in FIG. 2.

The curb forming means 50 includes an inlet 52, an outlet 54 and elongated, spaced, longitudinally extending lower edges 56.

Finally the device 10 includes a front wheel means and rear wheel means 62 adapted for rollingly supporting the apparatus on a surface 64 to be provided with a curb such as shown in dotted lines at 66.

The arrangement of the elements for extruding a paving material in opposite directions is shown reversed in FIGS. 1 and 2 on the one hand and FIGS. 3 and 4 on the other hand. The basic differences to be seen between these two arrangements lies in the positioning of the hopper means 18, the curb forming means the wheel means 60, 62.

Specifically, if it is desired to propel the apparatus 10 in the left hand direction as seen in FIG. 1, with a curb 66 being laid behind the device, the hopper means 18 is secured to the second auger housing means 28 by quick-connecting cooperable securing means such elongated bolts 70 hingedly secured as at 72 to the second auger housing means and engageable in locking brackets 74 on the hopper 18 with a wing nut 76 or the like to hold these elements together. The inlet to the auger housing means is actually defined by upwardly extending edge portions which mate with downwardly extending edge portions defining the outlet of the hopper means as seen particularly in FIG. 6.

A cover means 78 is provided with similar locking brackets 74 so that inlet to the unused auger housing means, in the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first auger housing means 26, may be closed for safety purposes.

The curb fomting means 50 is then secured as by a plurality of bolts or the like 80 with its inlet juxtaposed to the outlet of the auger housing means 28.

The curb forming means 50 may be of any desired shape depending upon the cross-section of the curb to be extruded. In reversing the direction of travel of the device according to the instant inventive concepts, it may be necessary to use a curb forming means of reverse configuration.

The front wheel means 60 includes a pair of laterally spaced front wheel members 86, 88 interconnected by a tie-bar 90 pivotally secured at its opposite ends in the wheel housings with a handle 92 being provided to enable an operator to steer the device 10 and guide the same along a chosen p'ath. Vertically adjustable jack means 94, 96 carry each of the wheel means 86, 88 and are interconnected by means of a bracket 100 securable as by bolts or the like 102 to one end portion 14 of the frame means 12.

The rear wheel means 62 comprises a single rear wheel also vertically adjustable by a jack means 104, the single rear wheel enabling the curb being extruded to bypass the wheel. In order to align the single rear 50 and wheel means 62 with the outlet 54 of the curb forming means 50 a rear frame extension 106 is carried thereby and may be secured to the rear end portion 16 of the frame means 12 as by bolts 108, 110 or the like. This alignment of the axle of the rear wheel means 62 with the outlet 54 of the curb forming means 60 assists in the turning radius and prevents the extruded curb 66 from breaking up.

A brake means designated generally by the reference numeral 112 may be operatively carried by the rear wheel housing to assist in providing control of the compaction of the curb-forming material in the event the apparatus is progressing down a hill. If the grade of the hill is too great, then the operator can reverse the apparatus according to the basic concepts of this invention.

The vertical adjustment afforded by the jack means 94, 96 and 104 enables movement of the frame means relative to roller means so that the longitudinally extending lower edges 56 of the curb forming means 50 can be juxtaposed to the surface 64 on which the curb 66 is being laid.

Means (not shown) can also be provided, if desired, to enable lateral adjustment of both the front and rear wheel means relative to the frame means.

By reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 it can now be seen how the device 10 is modified in order to enable propelling of the apparatus to the right as seen in these Figures, with the curb being laid therebehind. Basically, the front and rear wheel means 60, 62 are reversed in their attachment to the frame means 12, the curb forming means 50, or a modified curb forming means is secured to the outlet end of the first auger housing means 26, the hopper is secured to the inlet of the first auger housing means 26 and the cover means is secured over the inlet of the second auger housing means 28. These operations can be all readily accomplished on the site with simple tools so that extrusion of a curb or the like in either direction from the same side of the apparatus can be realized by the operator as necessary.

It is believed that the advantages of a device of this nature will now be readily understood and that all of the objectives set forth herein above, and many others of commercial importance, are satisfied by the curb forming apparatus of this invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A curb forming apparatus comprising, in combination, elongated frame means having first and second longitudinally spaced end portions; hopper means having an inlet for receiving a material from which the curb is to be formed, and an outlet; conveyor means including first and second elongated auger housing means carried by said frame means in longitudinally spaced, aligned relationship, each of said auger housing means having a generally upwardly opening inlet and a longitudinally opening outlet, said outlet of said first auger housing means being directed toward said first end portion of said frame means and said outlet of said second auger housing means being directed toward said second end portion of said frame means, first elongated auger means rotatably supported within said first auger housing means, and second elongated auger means rotatably supported within said second auger housing means, said first and second auger means having oppositely directed spiral flights; and driving means carried by said frame means for'rotating said first and second auger means; curb forming means having an inlet, an outlet and elongated, spaced, longitudinally extending lower edges; roller means carrying said frame means and adapted for rollingly supporting said apparatus on a surface to be provided with 'a curb; cooperable securing means carried by each of said auger housing means and said hopper means for selectively securing said hopper means to one of said auger housing means with said outlet of said hopper means in communication with said inlet of said one auger housing means; and securing means for selectively securing said curb forming means to said one auger housing means with said inlet of said curb forming means in communication with said outlet of said one auger housing means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said driving means simultaneously and continuously rotates said first and second auger means in the same direction.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further including an auger housing cover means, said auger housing cover means including securing means cooperable with said securing means on said auger housing means, whereby said inlet of the unused auger housing means may be covered.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including vertical adjusting means securing said frame means to said roller means for vertically adjusting said frame means relative to said roller means, whereby said longitudinally extending lower edges of said curb forming means may be juxtaposed to the surface to be provided witha curb.

5. The apparatus of claim ll wherein said roller means includes front wheel means and rear wheel means, rear securing means for securing said rear wheel means to the end portion of said frame means juxtaposed to said one auger housing means, and front securing means for securing said front wheel means to the other end portion of said frame means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said front wheel means includes a pair of laterally spaced, steerable front wheel members, and said rear wheel means includes a single rear wheel member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further including a rear frame extension carrying said rear wheel means, said rear frame extension being securable to the end of said frame means juxtaposed to said one auger housing means and positioning said rear wheel member in lateral alignment with said outlet of said curb forming means.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 further including brake means operatively associated with said rear wheel member, thereby providing control of the compaction of the curb-forming material in the event the apparatus is progressing down a hill. 

1. A curb forming apparatus comprising, in combination, elongated frame means having first and second longitudinally spaced end portions; hopper means having an inlet for receiving a material from which the curb is to be formed, and an outlet; conveyor means including first and second elongated auger housing means carried by said frame means in longitudinally spaced, aligned relationship, each of said auger housing means having a generally upwardly opening inlet and a longitudinally opening outlet, said outlet of said first auger housing means being directed toward said first end portion of said frame means and said outlet of said second auger housing means being directed toward said second end portion of said frame means, first elongated auger means rotatably supported within said first auger housing means, and second elongated auger means rotatably supported within said second auger housing means, said first and second auger means having oppositely directed spiral flights; and driving means carried by said frame means for rotating said first and second auger means; curb forming means having an inlet, an outlet and elongated, spaced, longitudinally extending lower edges; roller means carrying said frame means and adapted for rollingly supporting said apparatus on a surface to be provided with a curb; cooperable securing means carried by each of said auger housing means and said hopper means for selectively securing said hopper means to one of said auger housing means with said outlet of said hopper means in communication with said inlet of said one auger housing means; and securing means for selectively securing said curb forming means to said one auger housing means with said inlet of said curb forming means in communication with said outlet of said one auger housing means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said driving means simultaneously and continuously rotates said first and second auger means in the same direction.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an auger housing cover means, said auger housing cover means including securing means cooperable with said securing means on said auger housing means, whereby said inlet of the unused auger housing means may be covered.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including vertical adjusting means securing said frame meanS to said roller means for vertically adjusting said frame means relative to said roller means, whereby said longitudinally extending lower edges of said curb forming means may be juxtaposed to the surface to be provided with a curb.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said roller means includes front wheel means and rear wheel means, rear securing means for securing said rear wheel means to the end portion of said frame means juxtaposed to said one auger housing means, and front securing means for securing said front wheel means to the other end portion of said frame means.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said front wheel means includes a pair of laterally spaced, steerable front wheel members, and said rear wheel means includes a single rear wheel member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 further including a rear frame extension carrying said rear wheel means, said rear frame extension being securable to the end of said frame means juxtaposed to said one auger housing means and positioning said rear wheel member in lateral alignment with said outlet of said curb forming means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 further including brake means operatively associated with said rear wheel member, thereby providing control of the compaction of the curb-forming material in the event the apparatus is progressing down a hill. 